Interaction device for a mold for a gyratory compactor

ABSTRACT

A gyratory compactor apparatus is provided for interacting with a sample within a generally cylindrical mold having a flange. Such an apparatus comprises a frame defining an axis and an offsetable member engaged with the frame for engaging one end of the mold. The offsetable member is displaceable from the axis and is concurrently movable in an orbital motion thereabout. A pressure ram is movable along the axis and a mold-engaging device is engaged with the frame for receiving the mold such that the mold and frame axes are coaxial. The pressure ram is axially movable within the mold to apply a compaction pressure on the sample, and thereby maintains a portion of the mold at a gyration point along the frame axis. The mold-engaging device axially moves the mold into engagement with the offsetable member. A securing device engaged with the offsetable member and movable therewith reversibly engages the mold to secure the mold to the offsetable member as the secured end is moved in the orbital motion by the offsetable member. The mold is thereby gyrated and dynamically maintained at a gyration angle. Associated apparatuses, devices, and methods are also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.10/755,123, filed Jan. 9, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,121,149, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/439,250, filedJan. 10, 2003, which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gyratory compactor apparatus and,more particularly, to an improved gyratory compactor apparatus andassociated devices and methods.

2. Description of Related Art

In order to measure certain physical properties, such as density,moisture content and compressive strength, of some materials, such assoil or paving material, loose samples of the soil or paving materialare formed into test specimens under reproducible conditions usinglaboratory compaction machines. It is desirable to compact the testspecimens under conditions that simulate actual use. For a pavingmaterial sample, this requires simulation of the kneading force appliedto the paving material by the paving roller. Simply applying acompressive force to the sample does not adequately simulate thekneading action of the paving roller. As a result, compaction machinesthat gyrate the sample during compression have been developed tosimulate actual conditions of use.

For example, a compaction machine which provides axial compression whilegyrating the sample of soil or paving material so as to effectivelyknead the sample is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,655 to Eagan etal. The gyratory compactor described therein includes a ram applyingcompressive force from one end of a cylindrical mold, wherein the otherend of the mold is gyrated by rotating a base supporting the other endof the mold.

Another example of a gyratory compactor apparatus is disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,939,642 to King et al. The '642 patent describes a gyratorycompactor apparatus design for facilitating ergonomics and efficiency,while improving consistency of operating parameters. The gyratorycompactor described therein allows the user to slide the cylindricalcompaction mold into the compaction chamber without the necessity oflifting the mold and includes an integral specimen removal ram. Inaddition, the frame design reduces frame deflection that couldundesirably affect the angle of gyration. Further, the angle of gyrationof the compactor apparatus can be changed by simply replacing a singlecomponent of the apparatus.

Notwithstanding the advances that have been made in the art of gyratorycompactors, there is a need for smaller and less costly designs, withimproved operational efficiency and accuracy. Additionally, there is aneed for a gyratory compactor having improved ergonomics. For example,placement and removal of the mold containing the sample should beaccomplished with minimal difficulty. Also, it would be advantageous toprovide a compactor design that allows the user to quickly and easilychange operating parameters, such as the angle of gyration. Further,there is a need in the art for a gyratory compactor that provides aconstant angle of gyration during the compaction procedure with minimaldeviation therefrom.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above and other needs are met by the present invention which, in oneembodiment, provides a gyratory compactor apparatus adapted to interactwith a generally cylindrical mold having an outer diameter, defining anaxis, and adapted to have a sample disposed therein. The mold alsoincludes opposed first and second ends and a radially extending flangehaving an outer diameter. Such a gyratory compactor apparatus comprisesa frame defining an axis and a mold-engaging device adapted to receivethe mold and to axially move the mold with respect to the frame. Anoffsetable member is operably engaged with the frame and configured tobe capable of engaging the second end of the mold when the mold isaxially moved into engagement with the offsetable member by themold-engaging device. The mold-engaging device is then configured torelease the mold such that the mold is independent thereof. Theoffsetable member is further configured to be capable of being displacedfrom the frame axis and concurrently movable in an orbital motion aboutthe frame axis. A portion of the mold away from the second end ismaintained at a gyration point along the frame axis and, as the secondend of the mold is moved in the orbital motion, the mold is gyrated andcapable of being dynamically maintained at a gyration angle related tothe displacement of the offsetable member, the gyration point, and theframe axis.

Another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises agyratory compactor apparatus adapted to interact with a generallycylindrical mold having an outer diameter, defining an axis, and adaptedto have a sample disposed therein. The mold also includes opposed firstand second ends and a radially extending flange having an outerdiameter. Such a gyratory compactor apparatus includes a frame definingan axis and an offsetable member operably engaged with the frame andconfigured to be capable of engaging the second end of the mold. Theoffsetable member is further configured to be capable of being displacedfrom the frame axis and concurrently movable in an orbital motion aboutthe frame axis. A pressure ram is operably and movably engaged with theframe and configured to be capable of moving along the frame axis. Amold-engaging device is operably engaged with the frame and adapted toreceive the mold such that the mold axis corresponds to the frame axisand such that the pressure ram is capable of moving axially within themold to apply a compaction pressure on the sample within the mold. Thepressure ram thereby maintains a portion of the mold at a gyration pointalong the frame axis. The mold-engaging device is further configured toaxially move the second end of the mold into engagement with theoffsetable member and to then release the mold such that the mold isindependent thereof. A securing device is operably engaged with theoffsetable member and is movable therewith, wherein the securing deviceis configured to reversibly engage the second end of the mold so as tosecure the second end of the mold to the offsetable member as the secondend of the mold is moved in the orbital motion by the offsetable member.The mold is thereby gyrated and capable of being dynamically maintainedat a gyration angle related to the displacement of the offsetablemember, the gyration point, and the frame axis.

Still another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises agyratory compactor apparatus adapted to interact with a generallycylindrical mold having an outer diameter, defining an axis, and adaptedto have a sample disposed therein. The mold also includes opposed firstand second ends and a radially extending flange having an outerdiameter. Such a gyratory compactor apparatus includes a frame definingan axis and configured to receive the mold. A pressure ram is operablyand movably engaged with the frame and configured to be capable ofmoving along the axis thereof. The pressure ram is further capable ofbeing received by and operably engaging the mold through the first end,and moving within the mold to apply a compaction pressure on the samplewithin the mold. The pressure ram thereby maintains a portion of themold at a gyration point along the frame axis. An offsetable member isoperably engaged with the frame and is configured to be capable ofengaging the second end of the mold. The offsetable member is furtherconfigured to be capable of being displaced from the frame axis andconcurrently movable in an orbital motion about the frame axis, suchthat the second end of the mold is moved in the orbital motion. The moldis thereby gyrated and is capable of being dynamically maintained at agyration angle related to the displacement of the offsetable member, thegyration point, and the frame axis.

Yet another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises agyratory compactor apparatus defining an axis. Such an apparatusincludes a pressure ram configured to be capable of moving along theapparatus axis and a rotatable member configured to be rotatable aboutthe apparatus axis. A mold is capable of being disposed between thepressure ram and the rotatable member and is adapted to have a sampledisposed therein. The mold is generally cylindrical, defines an axis,and has opposed first and second ends. The mold is configured to receivethe pressure ram therein through the first end so as to apply acompaction pressure on the sample within the mold, wherein the pressureram thereby maintains a portion of the mold at the gyration point alongthe apparatus axis. The second end of the mold defines a radiusedbearing surface extending about an inner circumference thereof Anoffsetable member is operably engaged with the rotatable member anddefines a radiused bearing surface complementarily corresponding to thesecond end bearing surface of the mold. The offsetable member bearingsurface is capable of movably engaging the second end bearing surface ofthe mold. The offsetable member is further configured to be displaceablewith respect to the rotatable member from the apparatus axis so as tocause the second end of the mold to orbit about the apparatus axis whenthe offsetable member is rotated by the rotatable member. The mold isthereby gyrated at a gyration angle related to the displacement of theoffsetable member, the gyration point, and the apparatus axis.

Yet still another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprisesa device adapted to interact with a generally cylindrical mold for agyratory compactor apparatus defining an axis. The mold has an outerdiameter, defines an axis, and is adapted to have a sample disposedtherein. The mold also has opposed first and second ends and a radiallyextending flange having an outer diameter. Such a device includes amovable mounting plate configured to be movable between a first positionand a second position along the apparatus axis. A pair of pivotingmembers is pivotably mounted to the movable mounting plate alongparallel pivot axes. A support rail mounted is to each pivoting member.The support rails are laterally separated by less than the outerdiameter of the flange with the movable mounting plate in the firstposition, such that the support rails are capable of supporting the moldby the flange. The pivoting members pivot between the first and secondpositions such that, with the movable mounting plate in the secondposition, the support rails are separated by more than the outerdiameter of the flange and are thereby incapable of supporting the moldby the flange.

Still another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises apressure-measuring device adapted for use with a gyratory compactorapparatus. Such a device includes a pressure-bearing member and anelongate stem member defining an axis. The stem member includes a firstend operably engaged with the pressure-bearing member and an opposingsecond end. An elongate sleeve is configured to extend concentricallyover the stem member and in close relation thereto so as to be capableof slidably engaging the stem member over an extended engagement length.The sleeve has a first end extending toward the pressure-bearing member,when the sleeve is engaged with the stem member, and an opposing secondend. A load-determining device is in communication with the sleeve suchthat load-determining device is axially fixed with respect to thesleeve. The load-determining device is further configured to be incommunication with the stem member so as to measure an actual axial loadexerted on the pressure-bearing member via the stem member.

Yet another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises adevice adapted to determine and maintain an angle of gyration of a moldengaged with a gyratory compactor apparatus defining an axis. The moldis generally cylindrical, defines an axis, and has opposed first andsecond ends. The mold is gyratable about the apparatus axis at agyration point displaced from the second end toward the first end. Sucha device includes an offsetable member adapted to be capable of engagingthe second end of the mold in displacement from the apparatus axis andto be movable in an orbital motion about the apparatus axis so as tocause the mold to gyrate with respect to the gyration point, wherein thegyration point remotely disposed with respect to the second end of themold. A sensor device is configured to dynamically determine an actualangle of gyration of the mold, wherein the actual angle of gyration isrelated to the displacement of the offsetable member, the gyrationpoint, and the apparatus axis. A controller is operably engaged with theoffsetable member so as to be capable of directing adjustment of thedisplacement of the offsetable member to provide a desired angle ofgyration with respect to the gyration point. The controller is incommunication with the sensor device and is responsive thereto so as tobe capable of dynamically adjusting the displacement of the offsetablemember to maintain the actual angle of gyration substantially equal tothe desired angle of gyration.

Another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises agyratory compactor apparatus defining an axis. Such a gyratory compactorapparatus includes a sample-manipulating device adapted to receive amold having a sample disposed therein, wherein the sample-manipulatingdevice is configured so as to be capable of gyrating the mold whileapplying a compaction pressure to the sample. A frame member supportsthe sample-manipulating device, and has at least one component formed ofa laminated sheet material.

Yet another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises acleaning device adapted to remove sample residue from a gyratorycompactor apparatus defining an axis. The gyratory compactor apparatusis further adapted to have an offsetable member operably engaged with arotatable member configured to be rotatable about the axis. Theoffsetable member is further adapted to be capable of engaging an end ofa mold having a gyration point away from the end, and to be capable ofbeing displaced from the axis so as to cause the mold to gyrate withrespect to the gyration point when the offsetable member is rotatedabout the axis by the rotatable member. Such a cleaning device includesa plate having a first face supporting the rotatable member, wherein theplate is configured to be non-rotatable about the axis. The plate has asecond face opposing the first face and defines a groove in the firstface disposed radially outward of the rotatable member, wherein thegroove is configured to collect the sample residue. The plate furtherdefines a channel extending from the groove toward the second face,wherein the channel is configured to facilitate removal of the sampleresidue from the gyratory compactor. A sweeping member is configured toorbit about the axis in operable engagement with the groove defined bythe plate so as to move the sample residue along the groove and todirect the sample residue to the channel for removal.

Another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a methodof manufacturing a gyratory compactor apparatus, wherein the gyratorycompactor apparatus includes a frame having a plurality of components.First, the components are operably engaged with a jig configured toalign the components in a desired relationship. The components are thensecured together so as to form the frame, wherein the frame defines anaxis and has alignment members operably engaged therewith. Thereafter,the frame is removed from the jig. A sample-manipulating device having aplurality of components is then operably engaged with the frame, whereinthe sample-manipulating device is adapted to receive a mold capable ofreceiving a sample therein and is configured so as to be capable ofgyrating the mold while applying a compaction pressure to the sample.The components of the sample-manipulating device have alignment members,corresponding to the frame alignment members, operably engaged therewithso as to facilitate alignment of the sample-manipulating device withrespect to the axis when the sample-manipulating device is operablyengaged with the frame.

Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide significantadvantages as detailed further herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will nowbe made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn toscale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a gyratory compactor apparatus according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic of a gyration angle of a mold engaged with agyratory compactor apparatus according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic of a mold angle sensing device in communicationwith a controller for providing a closed-loop control system for a moldengaged with a gyratory compactor apparatus according to one embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a gyratory compaction procedure implementedby a closed-loop control system according to one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic of an external mold angle sensing deviceimplementing contact type sensors to determine the gyration angle of amold for a gyratory compactor apparatus according to one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 6A is a schematic of an axial-load focusing load cell configurationimplemented in conjunction with a mold-securing mechanism to interactwith a mold for a gyratory compactor apparatus according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a schematic of an axial-load focusing load cell configurationimplemented to interact with a mold for a gyratory compactor apparatusaccording to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic of a cleaning mechanism implemented in conjunctionwith an offsetable member supported by a rotatable member and configuredto interact with a mold for a gyratory compactor apparatus according toone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic cutaway view of a gyratory compactor apparatusaccording to one embodiment of the present invention illustrating acomposite construction of the frame of the gyratory compactor apparatus;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematics of a mold-handling device configured tomanipulate a mold for a gyratory compactor apparatus according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9C is a schematic of a mold-handling device cooperating with anoffsetable member to gyrate a mold with a gyratory compactor apparatusaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematics of a mold-handling device configured tomanipulate a mold for a gyratory compactor apparatus according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 11A-11B are schematics of a mold-handling device configured tomanipulate a mold for a gyratory compactor apparatus, the mold-handlingdevice being in an open position, according to yet another embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 11C-11D are schematics of a mold-handling device configured tomanipulate a mold for a gyratory compactor apparatus, the mold-handlingdevice being in a closed position, according to the embodiment of thepresent invention shown in FIGS. 11A-11B;

FIG. 12A and 12B are schematics of a mold-securing mechanism configuredto interact with a mold for a gyratory compactor apparatus according toone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic of a mold-securing mechanism and an anti-rotationdevice, both configured to interact with a mold for a gyratory compactorapparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 14A and 14B are schematics of an external mold angle sensing deviceimplementing contact type sensors to determine the gyration angle of amold for a gyratory compactor apparatus according to another embodimentof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

FIGS. 1-10B illustrate various aspects of a gyratory compactor apparatusaccording to one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatusbeing indicated generally by the numeral 10. Such an apparatus 10generally comprises a frame 100 defining an axis 150. The frame 100 isconfigured to have a pressure ram 200 engaged therewith, wherein thepressure ram 200 is capable of moving along the axis 150. Opposing thepressure ram 200 is a rotatable member 300 that is also aligned with theaxis 150 and is rotatable thereabout. Disposed between the pressure ram200 and the rotatable member 300 is an offsetable member 400. Incooperation with the frame 100, the general area between the pressureram 200 and the offsetable member 400 defines a mold well 500 configuredto accept a mold 600. The apparatus 10 further includes a mold-handlingdevice 700 configured to receive and manipulate the mold 600 within themold well 500. The apparatus 10 also has incorporated therewith acontrol system 800 configured to interact with the mold 600 when themold 600 is received in the mold well 500.

In one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the frame 100is comprised of a plurality of components 110 fastened together, forexample, by fasteners, by adhesive, by welding, or in any other suitablemanner consistent with the spirit and scope of the present invention. Asone skilled in the art will appreciate, and as further discussed herein,accurate and precise alignment of the components is critical to theoperation of the apparatus 10, wherein such alignment must be maintainedin both static and dynamic states. As such, a variety of stresses areimparted to the frame 100 during the gyratory compaction process,thereby further requiring that some of the frame components 110 beconfigured to handle different stresses than some other components 110.In addition, one of the parameters which must also be considered in thedesign and construction of the apparatus 10 is the weight thereof.

Accordingly, it is advantageous to be able to customize theconfiguration of, rigidify, and/or reinforce particular frame components110 where necessary, while minimizing the number of components 110, inorder to optimize the configuration of the frame 100. Therefore, someadvantageous embodiments of the present invention utilize one or morecomponents 110 having a composite construction. For example, FIG. 8illustrates a component 110 constructed of individual members, with oneor more of those members comprising two coplanar metal sheets joinedtogether by welding, adhesive, fasteners, or in any other suitablemanner. That is, one of those members may be configured such that anywall, side, or otherwise defining surface may be comprised of at leasttwo coplanar sheets secured together. However, the illustratedconstruction of the component 110 is not intended to be limiting sinceone skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the compositeconstruction of a component 110 may include more than two sheets and mayalso include sheets comprised of many different materials, such asmetals, polymers, or even other composites. In addition, the compositeconstruction may also be selectively applied such as, for example, whereonly spot reinforcing is necessary for a component 110, such that only aportion of a component 110 may include the described compositeconstruction. Further, other measures may also be implemented to preventthe adjacent sheets of the composite from moving with respect to eachother where, for example, the adjacent sheets may include interlockingtabs or other mechanical structures (not shown) for minimizing orpreventing such relative movement. Thus, embodiments of the presentinvention utilizing composite construction will realize significantsavings in the weight of the frame 100, whereby the configuration of theframe 100 can be optimized with a minimum of components 100 withoutsacrificing the strength necessary for withstanding the stressesimparted thereto during operation of the apparatus 10.

As previously described, accurate and precise alignment of itscomponents is critical to the operation of the apparatus 10 where, asfurther described herein, such components are discrete with respect tothe frame 100 and must be assembled therewith in order to obtain afunctional apparatus 10. Heretofore, assembly of a gyratory compactorapparatus typically required a trained technician, sophisticatedalignment tools, and specific procedures for the gyratory compactor tobe properly assembled and suitably aligned. Such measures would oftenneed to be duplicated if the gyratory compactor was disassembled formaintenance or to be moved. The disadvantages of those requirements andprocedures should be readily apparent to one skilled in the art.Accordingly, other advantageous embodiments of the present inventionimplement an alignment procedure into the manufacturing process for theframe 100 and, in some instances, other components of the apparatus 10.More particularly, during the manufacturing process for the frame 100,one or more components 110 are engaged with one or more jigs (notshown), each of which is specifically configured to hold and align thecomponents 110 in a specific relationship. The specific relationshiptypically corresponds to the determination of the frame axis 150, thoughother references related to the apparatus 10 may also associated with aparticular jig. One or more of the components 110 may also have one ormore alignment members (not shown) attached thereto or otherwiseassociated therewith, or the alignment members may be formed throughcooperation between components 110.

While in the jig, the components 110 may be secured together, forexample, by welding, with adhesives, with fasteners, or the like to formthe frame 100 or a subassembly thereof. In instances where the entireframe 100 is formed in the jig, the components 110 forming the frame 100will be properly aligned when the completed frame 100 is removed fromthe jig. In addition, the alignment members will then serve to align theframe 100 with the other components that are attached to the frame 100to form the apparatus 10. Where a subassembly of the frame 100 is formedby the components 110 in the jig, that subassembly will be properlyaligned when removed from the jig, while the alignment members willserve to align that subassembly with respect to the frame 100, or one ormore of the other components attached to the frame 100, to form theapparatus 10. In some embodiments, the other components attached to theframe 100 to form the apparatus 10 may also have alignment members (notshown) corresponding to and capable of interacting with the alignmentmembers associated with the frame 100. As such, through the use of thejig and, in some instances, the alignment members, the need for atrained technician and special alignment tools and procedures during thegyratory compactor assembly or reassembly process is minimized oreliminated, while also reducing the time and expense associated with anextensive and complicated assembly or reassembly process.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, 5, 6A, and 7, the frame 100 is configured toreceive the pressure ram 200 such that the pressure ram is capable ofmoving along the axis 150 to provide an axial compressive force withrespect to the mold 600 received by the apparatus 10. Accordingly, themold 600 which, in one instance, has a cylindrical inner surface, mustengage the apparatus 10 such that the pressure ram 200 can extendthrough the first end 610 of the mold 600 and exert the necessary axialcompressive force along the longitudinal axis 620 of the mold 600.However, the mold 600 must also be gyrated simultaneously with theapplication of the axial compressive force in order to achieve andsimulate the rolling of the paving roller or other compaction deviceover a material surface. In order to achieve the necessary gyration ofthe mold 600, the second end 630 is typically laterally displaced suchthat the longitudinal axis 620 is tilted by a particular angle 640(otherwise referred to herein as the mold angle, the angle of gyration,or the gyration angle) with respect to the axis 150 defined by thetravel of the pressure ram 200, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2. As theaxial compressive force is applied along the axis 150 by the pressureram 200, the laterally displaced second end 630 of the mold 600 is movedin an orbital motion about the axis 150. Since the mold 600, away fromthe second end 630 and toward the first end 610, is constrained aboutthe axis 150 by the pressure ram 200, the orbital motion of the secondend 630 about the axis 150 thus causes the mold 600 to gyrate within theapparatus 10. This operational characteristic or the apparatus 10 isotherwise referred to herein as the “gyratory compaction” process forthe sample 50.

According to one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, asshown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5-7, the gyratory compactor apparatus 10further includes an offsetable member 400 operably engaged with theframe 100, in generally opposing relation to the pressure ram 200. Theframe 100, the pressure ram 200, and the offsetable member 400 therebycooperate to define the mold well 500 capable of receiving the mold 600therein. The offsetable member 400 is capable of being laterallydisplaced from the axis 150 so as to cooperate with the pressure ram 200and the mold 600 to define the gyration angle 640 about a gyration point650. The gyration point 650 generally corresponds to the center point210 of the end of the pressure ram 200 (described further herein as thefoot portion 245) opposing the offsetable member 400, or may otherwisebe defined as the point of intersection of the longitudinal axis 620 ofthe mold 600 and the axis 150 of the frame 100.

In order for the mold 600 to gyrate as required, the offsetable member400 further includes a bearing member 420 engaged therewith. The bearingmember 420 is generally configured as a truncated hemisphere having aflat surface 430 and a circumferential bearing surface 440 with anarcuate profile. The arcuate profile of the bearing surface 440, in oneinstance, may be defined by a radius, though the arcuate profile of thebearing surface 440 may be configured in many different manners asrequired. Accordingly, the second end 630 of the mold 600 also includesa bearing surface 660 centered about the longitudinal axis 620 andcomplementarily configured with respect to the bearing surface 440 ofthe bearing member 420. When the bearing surfaces 440, 660 are engaged,a ball and socket joint is essentially formed, whereby the second end630 of the mold 600 is essentially constrained, but allowed to pivotabout the gyration center 410 (otherwise referred to herein as thecenter of gyration of the second end 630 of the mold 600) of the bearingmember 420 as the mold 600 is gyrated, the gyration center 410 thereforebeing disposed along the longitudinal axis 620 of the mold 600. Thegyration center 410 corresponds to the center point of a sphere overlaidon and corresponding to the truncated hemisphere forming the bearingmember 420. Accordingly, since mold 600 gyrates about the bearing member420 and since the bearing member 420 also functions to constrain thesecond end 630 of the mold 600, the lateral displacement of the gyrationcenter 410 of the bearing member 420 from the frame axis 150 the mayreadily determined. Thus, both the gyration angle 640 and the gyrationpoint 650 may, in turn, be readily determined in a static mode, as wellas in a dynamic mode during operation of the apparatus 10.

Once laterally displaced from the frame axis 150, the offsetable member400/bearing member 420 must be moved in an orbital motion about theframe axis 150 in order to provide the necessary gyration for the mold600. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, the offsetablemember 400 is engaged with and/or supported by the rotatable member 300,wherein the rotatable member 300 is configured to be rotatable about theframe axis 150. The offsetable member 400 is thus configured to belaterally displaceable with respect to the rotatable member 300. Therotatable member 300 is further engaged with and/or supported by anon-rotatable plate 320, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 5 and 7,wherein the plate 320 may be engaged with or an integral component ofthe frame 100. The plate 320 has a first face 330 directed toward therotatable member 300 and an opposing second face 340. In one embodiment,the plate 320 may also be configured to define a groove 350 extendingthrough the first face 330 and disposed radially outward of therotatable member 300. In such instances, the groove 350 may furtherinclude one or more channels 360 extending from the groove 350 towardthe second face 340 of the plate 320.

Since the offsetable member 400 may interact closely with the sample 50,residue from the sample 50 may undesirably gather about the offsetablemember 400 and the rotatable member 300 in some embodiments,particularly when the offsetable member 400 and the rotatable member 300are disposed at the lower end of the mold well 500. Accordingly, in suchinstances, the groove 350 is provided to collect the sample residue,while the one or more channels 360 is provided to direct the sampleresidue outwardly of the apparatus 10 from the groove 350. Also providedis a sweeping member 370 which, in one embodiment, is engaged with therotatable member 300 so as to be rotatable therewith in engagement withthe groove 350. The sweeping member 370 is further configured to have aprofile generally corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of thegroove 350 such that, as the sweeping member 370 is drawn around thegroove 350 by the rotating rotatable member 300, sample residue in thegroove 350 is directed into the one or more channels 360 and thusoutwardly of the apparatus 10. In some embodiments, the sweeping member370 is also configured so as not to interfere with the offsetable member400 as the offsetable member 400 is laterally displaced with respect tothe rotatable member 300. Accordingly, the sweeping member 370 iscapable of cooperating with the groove 350 and the one or more channels360 to remove sample residue from the mold well 500 as the apparatus 10is operated, thereby reducing or eliminating the need to manually removesample residue from the mold well 500 when the apparatus 10 is idle.

As previously discussed, one of the purposes of a gyratory compactorapparatus 10 is to impart an axial compressive force on the sample 50 asthe sample 50 is being gyrated. The necessary axial compressive force isthus provided by the pressure ram 200, as shown in FIG. 6A, that isengaged with the frame 100 and configured to provide the compressiveforce along the axis 150. It is also typically desirable for the valueof the axial compressive force to be accurately measured and such ameasurement is generally accomplished through the use of a load cell.However, a load cell may indicate an inaccurate value if subjected to aneccentric or non-axial applied load where, in a gyratory compactor, sucheccentric forces may be generated as the mold is gyrated. Accordingly,one advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a load cell210 engaged between the ram tube 220 and the ram head 230 of thepressure ram 200, whereby the ram tube 220 is configured to receive,with close tolerance, a cylindrical portion 240 of the ram head 230therein such that the ram tube 220 interacts with the cylindricalportion 240 over an extended length. A first end 250 of the cylindricalportion 240 extends into the ram tube 220, while a second end 260 isdirected outwardly thereof.

The load cell 210 is disposed within the ram tube 220 so as to interactwith the first end 250 of the cylindrical portion 240. Though the loadcell 210 is shown to directly interact with the first end 250, indirectinteraction such as, for example, in instances where a spacer (notshown) is disposed therebetween, is also suitable. The load cell 210 ispreferably disposed as close to the first end 250 as possible. Inaddition, the load cell 210 is preferably securely constrained frommovement along the axis of the ram tube 220 away from the ram head 230.For example, the ram tube 220 may include a mounting member 270constrained from axial movement along the ram tube 220 away from the ramhead 230 by a change in diameter of the ram tube 220, or by any othersuitable mechanism. The load cell 210 is secured to the mounting member270 and is thus firmly secured within the ram tube 220. Pressure exertedon the sample 50 by the ram head 230 is thereby transmitted by thecylindrical portion 240 to the load cell 210 which, as will be readilyappreciated by one skilled in the art, allows the pressure applied tothe sample 50 to be determined. However, the extended interaction lengthand the close tolerance between the ram tube 220 and the cylindricalportion 240 of the ram head 230, according to advantageous aspects ofthe present invention, serves to dissipate any eccentric forcestransmitted to the ram head 230 through the ram tube 220, duringgyration of the mold 600. Accordingly, any eccentric forces acting onthe ram head 230 will not be transmitted to the load cell 210.

The load cell 210 thereby experiences only a focused axial load from theram head 230, and the load cell 210 configured according to embodimentsof the present invention will thus more accurately indicate the axialcompressive force exerted on the sample 50 by the pressure ram 200during the gyratory compaction process. One skilled in the art will alsoappreciate that the axial compressive force applied on the sample 50 mayalso be determined in other ways such as described, for example, in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/210,020, also assigned to the assignee ofthe present invention, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Determiningthe Angle of Gyration and/or the Pressure in a Gyratory Compactor” andfiled on Jul. 31, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference.

One skilled in the art will also appreciate that the pressure ram 200,as shown in FIG. 6A, may have different operating mechanisms forapplying the desired compaction pressure. Further, the load cell 210 maybe remotely displaced with respect to the ram head 230. For example, theconfiguration previously described may include a hydraulic system (notshown) for forcing the ram head 230 out of the ram tube 220 to providethe compaction pressure. FIG. 6B illustrates another example of amechanism for applying compaction pressure via the pressure ram 200. Asshown, the ram tube 220 may be configured to receive a ram shaft 225therein through the proximal end 220 b thereof, wherein the ram shaft225 includes opposing ends 225 a, 225 b. The end 225 b of the ram shaft225 disposed outwardly of the ram tube 220 is configured to receive thecylindrical portion 240 of the ram head 230. The opposing end 225 a ofthe ram shaft 225 includes internal threads (the end of the ram shaft225 may be threaded or the ram shaft 225 may include a nut memberoperably engaged therewith) and is configured to receive a screw portion235 a of a screw drive mechanism 235 engaged with the distal end 220 aof the ram tube 220. Note, however, that the screw drive mechanism 235may be engaged with the ram tube 220 and ram shaft 225 in many differentmanners than the embodiment described herein. The load cell 210, in thisinstance, is remotely disposed with respect to the ram head 230 and isengaged with the drive portion 235 b of the screw drive mechanism 235such that the axial pressure generated by the screw drive mechanism 235against the ram shaft 225, and thus the ram head 230, is measured.Accordingly, as before, an extended interaction length and closetolerance between the ram tube 220 and the ram shaft 225 serves todissipate any eccentric forces transmitted to the load cell 210 via thedrive portion 235 b of the screw drive mechanism 235 during gyration ofthe mold 600. Accordingly, any eccentric forces acting on the ram head230 will not be transmitted to the load cell 210, and the load cell 210will experience only a focused axial load from the ram head 230. Theload cell 210 will thus more accurately indicate the axial compressiveforce exerted on the sample 50 by the pressure ram 200 during thegyratory compaction process.

As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus 10 further includes a first puck 670capable of being disposed within the mold 600 toward the second end 630thereof. The mold 600 and/or the first puck 670 are configured such thatthe first puck 670 is temporarily retained toward the second end 630 soas to cooperate with the mold 600 to contain the sample 50. For example,the first puck 670 may be temporarily retained in place within the mold600 by a ring 615 engaged with the inner surface of the mold 600 so asto retain the sample 50 in the mold 600 as the mold 600 is inserted intoor removed from the mold well 500. Upon application of the compressiveforce by the pressure ram 200, the first puck 670 moves along the mold600 and into contact with the flat surface 430 of the bearing member420. The ram head 230 of the pressure ram 200 also includes a footportion 245 attached to the second end 260 of the cylindrical portion240 or ram shaft 225 outwardly of the ram tube 220. In some instances,the foot portion 245 functions as a “puck” and opposes the first puck670 within the mold 600, whereby the sample 50 is disposed therebetweenand inside the mold 600. In other instances, a second puck 680 (shown inphantom) may be disposed within the mold 600 between the foot portion245 of the pressure ram 200 and the sample 50 such that the foot portion245 does not directly interact with the sample 50. However, aspreviously discussed, the center point 210 of the foot portion 245defines the gyration point 650 of the mold 600 and the foot portion 245moves closer to the bearing member 420 as the sample 50 is compactedduring the gyratory compaction process. Accordingly, the foot portion245 may be described as “inactive” since the first end 610 of the mold600 is not constrained to provide a fixed gyration point 650 and sincethe foot portion 245 is not capable of laterally translating in order tomaintain the gyration angle 640 as the sample 50 is compacted. As such,the gyration angle 640, which is typically required remain constant at aspecified value during the compaction process, will change as the sample50 is compacted.

As a result, advantageous embodiments of the present invention alsoimplement a closed loop control system 800, as shown, for example, inFIGS. 3 and 4, for continuously monitoring the gyration angle 640 anddynamically adjusting the lateral displacement of the offsetable member400 during the gyratory compaction process so as to maintain thespecified value of the gyration angle 640 as the sample 50 is compacted.More particularly, the control system 800 comprises a controller 810 anda mold angle sensing device 820. The mold angle sensing device 820, asshown in FIG. 5, includes a pair of sensors 830 aligned with andseparated by a distance along the frame axis 150. The sensors 830 areconfigured to interact with the exterior surface of the mold 600 and maybe, for example, contact sensors, proximity sensors, or any othersuitable contacting or non-contacting sensors or combinations thereof,wherein one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the gyrationangle 640 of the mold 600 may be determined from the difference in theabsolute distances between each of the sensors 830 and the exteriorsurface of the mold 600. However, in some instances, the gyration angle640 may be determined from inside the mold 600 using, for example, adevice for determining the angle of the mold as also disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/210,020, previously incorporated hereinby reference. One skilled in the art will also appreciate that thegyration angle 640 may also be determined in other manners such as, forexample, longitudinally along the mold 600.

The sensors 830 are in communication with the controller 810, whereinthe controller 810 is configured to direct the displacement of thepressure ram 200, and thus the foot portion 245, into the mold 600 so asto establish the specified axial compression force on the sample 50 asmeasured, for example, by the load cell 210. The controller 810 is alsoconfigured to read the displacement or proximity values indicated by thesensors 830 and to determine the actual mold angle 640. The controller810 is further capable of comparing the actual mold angle 640 to thespecified or desired mold angle and then directing the adjustment of thelateral displacement of the offsetable member 400 until the desired moldangle is attained. The controller 810, in some instances, is configuredto simultaneously measure, and adjust if necessary, both the compressionforce on the sample 50 and the mold angle 640. In other instances, themeasurements and any necessary adjustments may be performed at spacedintervals or may be performed with such frequency that the compactionforce and mold angle 640 are maintained in approximately real time. Oneskilled in the art will also readily appreciate that the controller 810may take many different forms depending at least partially on thecomplexity of the required parameter control for the apparatus 10 aswell as the degree of automation or user friendliness desired by the enduser. Further, though the determination of the gyration angle 640 isdescribed herein in terms of a lateral displacement of the offsetablemember 400, it will be understood that the control of the position ofthe offsetable member 400 may be accomplished in different manners suchas, for instance, according to a Cartesian coordinate system and using,for example, an x-y table. In some embodiments of the present invention,a polar coordinate system is implemented via a polar excursion tablewhich uses two parallel and concentric plates (the offsetable member 400and the rotatable member 300), whereby the offsetable member 400 istranslated according to the polar coordinate system into an eccentricposition with respect to the rotatable member 300, as both are rotatedabout the axis 150. However, the example presented herein are notintended to be limiting since many other configurations of the apparatus10 may be provided that are capable of providing the necessary lateraldisplacement of the second end 630 of the mold 600 as well imparting therequired orbital motion of the second end 630 about the axis 150 inorder to produce the gyration of the mold 600.

The ergonomics of the apparatus 10 are also considered in embodiments ofthe present invention. For example, the mold 600 having the puck 670 andsample 50 disposed therein may be heavy and cumbersome. Thus, it wouldbe advantageous to minimize the handling necessary to load the mold 600into the mold well 500 and to align the mold 600 with the bearing member420 and the pressure ram 200. According to advantageous embodiments ofthe present invention, the apparatus 10 is further provided with amold-handling device 700, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 9A-9C, forreceiving and handling the mold 600 within the mold well 500. Initially,the mold 600 must be inserted into the mold well 500 and the second end630 then lowered into engagement with the bearing member 420. As such,the frame 100 further includes a staging member 160 configured toreceive the mold 600 thereon on a level such that the second end 630 isabove the level of the flat surface 430 of the bearing member 420. Eachend 610, 630 of the generally cylindrical mold 600 may also include aflange 690 a, 690 b (the mold 600 may include either or both of theflanges 690 a, 690 b, as appropriate for any embodiment of the inventionas disclosed herein) extending radially outward therefrom to an outerdiameter greater than the outer diameter of the mold 600. In oneembodiment, the flange 690 a at the first end 610 of the mold 600includes a pair of flat portions 695 a formed therein such that the flatportions 695 a are separated by a distance less than the outer diameterof the flange 690 a and such that each of the flat portions 695 a areseparated from the first end 610 of the mold 600 by a lip portion 695 bof the flange 690 a.

As shown in FIG. 9B, a receiving fork 705, generally comprising a pairof spaced apart tines 710 attached to a transversely-extending supportmember 715, is disposed toward the pressure ram end of the mold well500, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9C. In one embodiment, the receiving fork705 is operably engaged with the frame 100 and is axially movable incooperation with the pressure ram 200 along the frame axis 150, asdiscussed further below. The fork 705 is configured such that, when themold 600 is placed on the staging member 160 and slid toward the moldwell 500, the first end 610 of the mold 600 clears the foot portion 245of the pressure ram 200 and the flat portions 695 a of the flange 690 aare received between the tines 710. Accordingly, the tines 710 and theflat portions 695 a cooperate to ensure that the mold 600 is received inthe mold well 500 is a desired rotational orientation. The supportmember 715 may be further configured to cooperate with the tines 710 soas to properly align the mold 600 within the mold well 500, such thatthe mold axis 620 is coaxial with the frame axis 150, when the mold 600is received within the fork 705. The proper alignment may be ensured inmany different manners such as, for example, through the mechanicalconfiguration of the fork 705 or via an appropriate sensor (not shown)configured to sense when the mold 600 is received in the desiredposition. When the mold 600 is properly inserted into the fork 705, themold 600 is no longer supported by the staging member 160, but insteadis suspended above the bearing member 420 and supported by the lipportions 695 b of the flange 690 a on the tines 710 of the fork 705.

Once the mold 600 is inserted into the fork 705, the pressure ram 200can be directed by the controller 810 to move toward the bearing member420. As a result, the fork 705 will also move toward the bearing member420, thereby lowering the second end 630 of the mold 600 into engagementwith the bearing member 420. The fork 705 also moves axially along themold 600, away from the flat portions 695 a and the lip portions 695 bof the flange 690 a, when the mold 600 is sufficiently lowered so as tobe supported by the bearing member 420. Further advancement of thepressure ram 200 causes the foot portion 245 to enter the first end 610of the mold 600, and still further advancement of the pressure ram 200is capable of providing the necessary axial compressive force on thesample 50, whereafter the gyration angle 640 may then be subsequentlyestablished.

In some instances, the mold-handling device 700 may further include asecuring device 720 engaged with the fork 705 and configured to maintainthe second end 630 of the mold 600 in sufficient contact with thebearing member 420 during the gyratory compaction process. The securingdevice 720 and the first end 610 of the mold 600 are configuredsimilarly to the bearing member 420/second end 630 configurationpreviously discussed. That is, the securing device 720 is generallyconfigured as a truncated hemisphere having an inner end 725 and acircumferential bearing surface 730 having an arcuate profile.Accordingly, the first end 610 of the mold 600 also includes a bearingsurface 665 centered about the longitudinal axis 620 and complementarilyconfigured with respect to the bearing surface 730 of the securingdevice 720. When the bearing surfaces 665, 730 are engaged, a ball andsocket joint is essentially formed, whereby the first end 610 of themold 600 is capable of pivoting about the securing device 720 as themold 600 is gyrated. However, the first end 610 of the mold 600 is alsorequired to allow the foot portion 245 of the pressure ram 200 to enterthe mold 600 to provide the compressive force on the sample 50.Accordingly, the securing device 720 further defines a bore 735generally corresponding to the cylindrical portion 240 or ram shaft 225of the ram head 230, wherein the bore 735 is configured to allow thecylindrical portion 240 or ram shaft 225 to move freely therethrough.The securing device 720 further defines a recess 740 extending from theinner end 725 and disposed in series with the bore 735. The recess 740is configured to correspond to the foot portion 245 of the ram head 230such that, when the ram head 230 is retracted from the mold 600, thefoot portion 245 enters the recess 740 and lies flush with the inner end725 so as to form a flat surface in connection with the inner end 725.

As previously discussed, the securing device 720 is configured tomaintain the second end 630 of the mold 600 in sufficient contact withthe bearing member 420 during the gyratory compaction process.Accordingly, the apparatus 10 may further include one or more biasingdevices 900, such as, for example, a spring type device or othersuitable device, operably engaged between the frame 100 and the securingdevice 720 for resiliently biasing the securing device 720 intoengagement with the first end 610 of the mold 600, and thus urging themold 600 against the bearing member 420. By maintaining the mold 600 inthe proper position with respect to the bearing member 420, the gyrationangle 640 can thus be better maintained during the gyratory compactionprocess. As implemented in embodiments of the present invention, forexample, the frame 100 may include one or more mounts 180 adjacent tothe pressure ram 200, whereby the one or biasing devices 900 aredisposed between the one or more mounts 180 and the securing device 720.In some embodiments of the present invention, the fork 705 is engagedwith the securing device 720, wherein both are biased toward the bearingmember 420 by the one or more biasing devices 900. Accordingly, when thefoot portion 245 of the pressure ram 200 is fully retracted, thesecuring device 720 and the fork 705 are drawn back against the one ormore biasing devices 900 until the fork 705 is in the proper position toaccept the mold 600 from the staging member 160 or for the mold 600 tobe removed from the fork 705 onto the staging member 160. As such, whenthe mold 600 is inserted into the fork 705, the foot portion 245 can bemoved into the first end 610 of the mold 600. The one or more biasingdevices 900 then urge the securing device 720/fork 705 assembly towardthe bearing member 420, whereby the moving fork 705 moves the mold 600into engagement with the bearing member 420. Further movement of thefoot portion 245, after the mold 600 is engaged with the bearing member420, moves the fork 705 out of engagement with the flat portions 695 aand the lip portions 695 b of the flange 690 a, while the one or morebiasing devices 900 urges the securing member 720 into engagement withthe first end 610 of the mold 600, whereafter the first end 610 of themold 600 is supported by the securing device 720, but not the fork 705.

However, when the fork 705 is disengaged from the flat portions 695 a,the mold 600 may be able to rotate during the gyratory compactionprocess, which is not always desirable. Accordingly, in the embodimentas shown in FIG. 6A, the securing device 720, which is typicallyconstrained from rotational movement by the one or more biasing devices900 or by other arrangements, may define, for example, a recess orreceptacle 770 in the bearing surface 730 thereof. A position on thebearing surface 665 or the flange 690 a of the mold 600 maycorrespondingly include a pin member 780 capable of extending into thereceptacle 770 when the securing member 720 is engaged with the mold600, whereby interaction of the pin member 780 and the receptacle 770prevents the mold 600 from rotating, but still allows the bearingsurfaces 665, 730 to interact so as to permit the mold 600 to pivot asnecessary with respect to the securing member 720. One skilled in artwill readily appreciate, however, that many different mechanisms may beimplemented for preventing the mold 600 from rotating about the axis 150when not supported by the fork 705 and the configuration describedherein is not intended to be limiting in this respect. For example, thepin member 780 may be engaged with the securing device 720 while thereceptacle is defined by the mold 600.

Further, since embodiments of the present invention, as previouslydescribed, include a gyration point 650 that moves according to thedisplacement of the pressure ram 200, the first end 610 of the mold 600cannot be constrained from lateral movement if the required gyrationangle 640 is to be achieved and maintained during the gyratorycompaction process. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 9A, the apparatus 10may further include a lateral translation device 920 disposed betweenthe securing member 720 and the one or more biasing devices 900 tothereby allow the securing device 720 to bias the mold 600 against thebearing member 420 while permitting the first end 610 of the mold 600 tofreely laterally translate as needed. For example, the securing device720 may be attached to a first translation plate 925 via one or morefirst sliding mechanisms 930 disposed therebetween, and the firsttranslation plate 925 then attached to a second translation plate 935via one or more second sliding mechanisms 940 disposed therebetween,wherein the second translation plate 935 is attached to the one or morebiasing members 900. In some instances, the first sliding mechanism(s)930 are disposed perpendicularly with respect to the second slidingmechanism(s) 940 to allow the securing member 720 to freely laterallytranslate with respect to the one or more biasing members 900. However,one skilled in the art will also appreciate that the free lateraltranslation of the securing member 720 may be accomplished in manydifferent manners and that the configuration disclosed herein is notintended to be limiting in this respect.

One skilled in the art will further appreciate that some componentsforming the apparatus 10 may be configured in different manners, or tocooperate with other components in different manners, to obtain the sameor similar function and results as described herein. For example, insome embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 10A and10B, the fork 705 may be operably engaged with the pressure ram 200instead of the securing device 720, or otherwise operated independentlyof both the pressure ram 200 and the securing device 720, such that thefork 705 moves independently of the securing device 720. In someinstances, the fork 705 may be configured to move in correspondence withthe foot portion 245 of the ram head 230. In such a configuration, thefork 705 may be disposed in the apparatus 10 to receive the mold 600 orto allow the mold 600 to be removed therefrom as previously described.However, for example, the flange 690 a about the first end 610 of themold 600 may be configured without the flat portions 695 a, whereby theflange 690 a itself supports the mold 600 when the mold 600 is receivedby the fork 705. In order to insure the proper rotational orientation ofthe mold 600 when inserted into the mold well 500, the mold 600 may, forinstance, define an axially-extending groove 950 in the outer surfacethereof, wherein the support member 715 or other component of the fork705 may have a pin member 955 engaged therewith and extending therefromso as to be capable of engaging the groove 950 when the mold 600 isreceived by the fork 705. In such instances, the pin member 955 isfurther configured with respect to the groove 950 so that properengagement therebetween, to prevent the mold 600 from rotating about theaxis 150, is maintained during the gyratory compaction process for arange of axial positions of the fork 705 along the mold 600 or for arange of gyration angles 640 of the mold 600. For example, the pinmember 955 may be configured such that the axial position thereof inengagement with the groove 950 along the mold 600 corresponds to theaxial position of the center point 210 of the foot portion 245 of theram head 230 (the gyration point 650) within the mold 600 during thegyratory compaction process.

Still further, as shown in FIG. 10A, the mold angle sensing device 820may also be incorporated into the support member 715 or other componentof the fork 705 such that the sensors 830 are separated by a distancealong and oriented parallel to the axis 150 and operate in a manner aspreviously described to determine the gyration angle 640. The sensors830 may be contact or non-contacting type sensors or any other type ofsensor suitable for accomplishing the described functions thereof. Insome instances, the sensors 830 may be configured to determine when themold 600 is within a specified proximity thereto before providingappropriate signals to the controller 810, the controller 810subsequently allowing the apparatus 10 to be operated in response to thesignals. In such instances, the mold angle sensing device 820 functions,for example, to indicate that the mold 600 is properly inserted andaligned in the mold well 500 or as a safety interlock for the apparatus10.

FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate an alternate embodiment of a mold-handlingdevice 700 for receiving and handling the mold 600 within the mold well500. The mold-handling device 700, in this embodiment, includes a firstmounting plate 1100 defining a hole 1110 through which the cylindricalportion 240 or ram shaft 225 of the pressure ram 200 extends. The firstmounting plate 1100 is attached to the frame 100 so as to be disposedopposite the ram head 230 from the mold well 500. A second mountingplate 1200 also defines a hole 1210 through which the cylindricalportion 240 or ram shaft 225 of the pressure ram 200 extends, whereinthe second mounting plate 1200 is disposed between the first mountingplate 1100 and the ram head 230. The second mounting plate 1200 isengaged with the first mounting plate 1100 by one or more biasingdevices 1250 (wherein four such biasing devices 1250 are shown in thisembodiment) configured to bias the second mounting plate 1200 away fromthe first mounting plate 1100.

A pair of pivoting members 1300 are pivotably engaged with the secondmounting plate 1200, on either side of the hole 1210, wherein thepivoting members 1300 are configured to have parallel pivot axes 1310.Each pivoting member 1300 is disposed opposite the second mounting plate1200 from the first mounting plate 1100 and is configured to have amedial pivot such that a portion of the pivoting member 1300 extendsinwardly toward the hole 1250, while the opposing portion extendsoutwardly of the second mounting plate 1200. Each pivoting member 1300further includes a pivot element 1350 engaged therewith and extending tothe first mounting plate 1100 or the frame 100, with each pivot element1350 being configured to pivot the respective pivoting member 1300and/or limit the extent to which the respective pivoting member 1300 iscapable of pivoting.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that, as described and shown, thesecond mounting plate 1200 is movable with respect to the frame100/first mounting plate 1100, and the pivoting members 1300 arepivotable with respect to the second mounting plate 1200. Accordingly,as the second mounting plate 1200 is biased away from the first mountingplate 1100 by the biasing devices 1250, the second mounting plate 1200and/or pivot elements 1350 restrain the pivoting members 1300 withrespect to the first mounting plate 1100, thus causing theoutwardly-extending portions of the pivoting members 1300 to pivottoward the first mounting plate 1100 about the pivot axes 1310. Thepivot elements 1350 also serve to limit pivoting of the pivot members1300 and movement of the second mounting plate 1200 away from the firstmounting plate 1100. Further, since the cylindrical portion 240 or ramshaft 225 of the pressure ram 200 extends through both of the mountingplates 1100, 1200, the ram head 230 is capable of pivoting the pivotingmembers 1300 in the opposite direction. That is, when the ram head 230is brought to the fully retracted position, away from the bearing member420, the ram head 230 will bear on the inwardly-extending portion of thepivoting members 1300, thereby pivoting the pivoting members 1300 aboutthe pivot axes 1310 in the reverse direction. At the same time, the ramhead 230 moves the second mounting plate 1200 toward the first mountingplate 1100.

The pivoting elements 1300 each include a rail 1000 spaced aparttherefrom, away from the second mounting plate 1200. Each rail 1000includes an inwardly-extending support ledge 1010. When the ram head 230is in the fully retracted position, the rails 1000 are sufficientlyspaced apart so as to be capable of accepting the flange 690 a at thefirst end 610 of the mold 600 therebetween, as shown in FIGS. 11A and11B. The support ledges 1010 are spaced apart by more than the outerdiameter of the mold 600, but less than the outer diameter of the flange690 a. When the ram head 230 is in the fully retracted position, thesupport ledges 1010 are at a sufficient height above the staging member160 such that, when the mold 600 is urged into the mold well 500, thesupport ledges 1010 of the rails 1000 receive the mold 600 and supportthe mold 600, via the flange 690 a, so that the second end 630 is abovethe level of the flat surface 430 of the bearing member 420. A mold stop(not shown) is engaged with the frame 100 and/or the mold-handlingdevice 700 so as to stop the advance of the mold 600 into the mold well500 from the staging member 160 when the longitudinal axis 620 of themold 600 is aligned with the frame axis 150. Once the mold 600 is theninserted into the mold well 500 and supported by the rails 1000, thepressure ram 200 can be actuated to begin the compaction process.

Upon actuation, the ram head 230 is directed into the first end 610 ofthe mold 600. As the ram head 230 moves into the mold 600, the biasingdevices 1250 move the second mounting plate 1200 away from the firstmounting plate 1100, thereby lowering the second end 630 of the mold 600into engagement with the bearing member 420. Continued movement of theram head 230 into the mold 600 allows the pivot elements 1350 to actupon the pivoting members 1300, thereby causing the pivoting members1300, and thus the support ledges 1010 to pivot away from the flange 690a of the mold 600, as shown in FIGS. 11C and 11D. The mold-handlingdevice 700 is further configured such that, when the support ledges 1010pivot away from the flange 690 a, the second end 630 of the mold 600 isalready supported by the bearing member 420. Accordingly, certainembodiments of the present invention provide a substantially seamlesstransition between the mold 600 being lowered into engagement with thebearing member 420 and the mold-handling device 700 releasing the mold600 as the pressure ram 200 begins the compaction process. At thatpoint, further advancement of the pressure ram 200 causes the footportion 245 in the mold 600 to provide the necessary axial compressiveforce on the sample 50 and establishment of the gyration angle 640.

Since the mold 600 is released by the mold-handling device 700 when themold 600 is engaged with the bearing member 420 and the pressure ram 200is beginning the compaction process, the mold 600 must be held inposition with respect to the bearing member 420 so as to besubstantially prevented from rotating about the longitudinal axis 620.Accordingly, in some embodiments using a mold-handling device 700 asdiscussed in connection with FIGS. 11A-11D, and as shown in FIG. 13, themold 600 includes a medial flange 750 disposed between the first andsecond ends 610, 630. The medial flange 750 further defines a gap 755extending circumferentially along the outer surface of the mold 600. Ananti-rotation member 760 is engaged or otherwise in communication withthe frame 100 and is configured to interact with the gap 755 in themedial flange 750. The anti-rotation member 760, in one embodiment, isdisposed in the mold well 500 and normally biased outwardly of the moldwell 500 toward the staging member 160 by a biasing device 765. When themold 600 is inserted into the mold well 500 from the staging member 160,the anti-rotation member 760 engages the medial flange 750, and the mold600 is rotated until the anti-rotation member 760 engages the gap 755.At the same time, the mold 600 is being received by the mold-handlingdevice 700 and, as such, the anti-rotation member 760 may also serve toprovide proper alignment of the mold 600 within the mold-handling device700 and/or as the mold stop for indicating that the mold 600 is properlyinserted into the mold-handling device 700 such that the longitudinalaxis 620 is aligned with the frame axis 150. Accordingly, once the mold600 is received by the mold-handling device 700 and supported by therails 1000, the biasing device 765 maintains the anti-rotation member760 in engagement with the gap 755 so as to substantially prevent themold 600 from rotating during the compaction process.

In holding the mold 600 in position with respect to the bearing member420, consideration must also be given to preventing the mold 600 fromlifting off the bearing member 420. That is, the mold 600 must be helddown or otherwise maintained in proper contact with the bearing member420 during the compaction process. Accordingly, in some embodimentsusing a mold-handling device 700 as discussed in connection with FIGS.11A-11D, and as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, some embodiments of thepresent invention may further include a hold-down device 850 forsecuring the mold 600 to the bearing member 420 at the second end 630.By the hold-down device 850 maintaining the mold 600 in the properposition with respect to the bearing member 420, the gyration angle 640can be better maintained during the gyratory compaction process. As themold 600 is gyrated during the compaction process, the second end 630 ofthe mold 600 orbits around the frame axis 150. Accordingly, at anyposition in the orbit, the flange 690 b at the second end 630 of themold 600 will have two diametrically-opposed locations 860 a, 860 b atthe same vertical level with respect to the bearing member 420. That is,at any instant during the orbit, a plane aligned along the longitudinalaxis 620 of the mold 600 and extending tangentially to the gyrationcenter 410 of the bearing member 420 will intersect the flange 690 b atthe second end 630 of the mold 600 at two points. The intersectionpoints of the plane with the flange 690 b thus define the samelongitudinal locations 860 a, 860 b diametrically-opposed about theflange 690 b. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that,since the mold 600 is substantially prevented from rotating about thelongitudinal axis 620 as the mold 600 is gyrated, the same longitudinallocations 860 a, 860 b move around the flange 690 b in the samerotational direction imparted to the offsetable member 400 as it orbitsaround the frame axis 150.

As such, in one embodiment, the hold-down device 850 comprises a pair ofroller members 855 mounted so as to be diametrically opposed withrespect to the bearing member 420. The roller members 855 are mounted torespective mounting blocks 870, with each mounting block 870 beingrotatable about a respective longitudinally-extending pin member 875engaged with the offsetable member 400. The roller members 855 aremounted to the respective mounting block 870 via a laterally-extendingaxle 880. The mounting blocks 870 are thus configured to be pivotable sothat the roller members 855 can be moved from a first position, as shownin FIG. 12A, in which the roller members 855 are disposed over theflange 690 b to a second position, as shown in FIG. 12B, in which theroller members 855 and the mounting blocks 870 are disposed radiallyoutward of the flange 690 b. In the first position, the axles 880 aredisposed along a line extending through the gyration center 410 suchthat the roller members 855 are oriented tangentially to the outersurface of the mold 600. In the second position, the mounting blocks 870and the rollers members 855 are disposed such that the mold 600 can belifted from the bearing member 420 without interference.

The mounting blocks 870 are connected by respective arms 885 a, 885 b toa position-controlling member 890 a mounted so as to be rotatable abouta longitudinally-extending pin member 890 b engaged with the offsetablemember 400. In one embodiment, the position-controlling member 890 aand/or the mounting blocks 870 may be biased to a normal rotationalposition such as, for example, where the roller members 855 are disposedso as to engage the flange 690 b, or where the roller members 855 aredisposed radially outward of the flange 690 b. In some instances, theposition-controlling member 890 a and/or the mounting blocks 870 may bebiased to both opposing normal positions, wherein the transition betweenthose positions are determined by a cam or other mechanism or device forallowing such biasing on either side of a transition point. The arms 885a, 885 b are engaged between the position-controlling member 890 a andthe respective mounting blocks 870 such that, as theposition-controlling member 890 a is rotated in one direction, theroller members 855 are moved into engagement with the flange 690 b,while the roller members 855 are moved away from the flange 690 b whenthe position-controlling member 890 a is rotated in the oppositedirection.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that, before the compactionprocess can begin, the mold 600 must be moved into engagement with thebearing member 420 and secured thereto by the roller members 855. At thesame time, the mold 600 is prevented from rotating about thelongitudinal axis 620 by the anti-rotation member 760. Theposition-controlling member 890 a and the mounting blocks 870 aresecured to the offsetable member 400, which does not rotate about thegyratory center 410. Accordingly, as the mold 600 is gyrated, theposition-controlling member 890 a and the mounting blocks 870 move inthe orbit with the offsetable member 400, and the roller members 855thereby roll around the flange 690 b of the mold 600, in correspondencewith the same vertical level locations 860 a, 860 b, while securing themold 600 to the bearing member 420.

In some instances, the apparatus 10 may also include a ratcheting member895 engaged with the frame 100 and capable of engaging theposition-controlling member 890 a. That is, the ratcheting member 895may be mounted such that, as the offsetable member 400 is moved in theorbit by the rotatable member 300 in a normal rotation direction, theratcheting member 895 initially contacts the position-controlling member890 a and rotates the position-controlling member 890 a into theposition in which the roller members 855 engage the flange 690 b tosecure the mold 600 to the bearing member 420. The ratcheting member 895may be resiliently biased toward a contact position with theposition-controlling member 890 a, or may otherwise be selectivelyactuatable to the contact position. Upon completion of the compactionprocess, the roller members 855 must be disengaged from the flange 690 bin order for the mold 600 to be removed from the apparatus 10. As such,in one embodiment, the rotatable member 300 may be capable of beingdirected in reverse with respect to the normal rotation direction. Insuch an instance, the ratcheting member 895 may be configured to contactthe position-controlling member 890 a and cause the position-controllingmember 890 a to rotate into the position in which the roller members 855are disengaged from the flange 690 b, thereby allowing the mold 600 tobe removed by retraction of the pressure ram 200.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, theposition-controlling member 890 a and/or the mounting blocks 870 may beengaged with a limit switch (not shown) or another type of detectionmechanism to determine when the position-controlling member 890 a hasbeen rotated into the position in which the roller members 855 aredisengaged from the flange 690 b and to stop the reverse rotation of therotatable member 300 in response thereto. In some instances, the limitswitch or other detection mechanism may also direct or actuate theoffsetable member 400 to return to a home position such that thelongitudinal axis 620 of the mold 600 realigns with the frame axis 150.Accordingly, the state in which rotation of the rotatable member 300 hasceased, the roller members 855 are disengaged from the flange 690 b, andthe offsetable member 400 has returned to the home position may bedefined as a register state. In the register state, the pressure ram 200may be actuated to retract from the mold 600, thereby causing themold-handling device 700 to begin the process of lifting the mold 600from the bearing member 420 so as to allow the mold 600 to be removedfrom the mold well 500.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show one embodiment of a mold angle sensing device820, wherein the sensors 830 are configured as contacting type sensors.Such a configuration of a mold angle sensing device 820 may be used inconjunction with any embodiments of the present invention, but isdescribed herein with embodiments using a mold-handling device 700 asdiscussed in connection with FIGS. 11A-11D. The sensors 830 are normallybiased toward the mold 600 by, for example, springs (not shown). In someinstances, such as, for example, to perform apparatus testingcalibration procedures, or the like, the pressure ram 200 may need to belowered toward the bearing member 420 without the mold 600 in placewithin the mold well 500. In those instances, the sensors 830 protrudinginto the mold well 500 may be at risk of damage due to contact with theram head 230. Accordingly, the mold angle sensing device 820 may alsoinclude a sensor guard 840 capable of moving and retaining the sensors830 out of the path of the ram head 230. As shown, the sensor guard 840may be pivotably attached to the mold angle sensing device 820 andhaving a free end 845 movable between an inoperative position, away fromthe sensors 830, as shown in FIG. 14A, and an operative position, asshown in FIG. 14B, where the free end 845 engages the sensors 830 so asto recess the sensors 830 into the mold angle sensing device 820. In theoperative position, the free end 845 may be secured to the mold anglesensing device 820 so as to retain the sensors 830 out of the path ofthe ram head 230.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which thisinvention pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. For example, theapparatus 10 may be configured to receive and manipulate the mold 600 invarious orientations, such as “upside down” or horizontally, subject tothe aforementioned requirements of the gyratory compaction process. Moreparticularly, for instance, the apparatus 10 may be configured andoriented such that the pressure ram 200 exerts the necessary pressurefrom a lower end of the mold 600. Accordingly, in such instances, theoffsetable member 400/rotatable member 300 assembly would be disposedtoward the upper end of the mold 600 and, as such, one skilled in theart will appreciate that an appropriate securing device (not shown) forsecuring the mold 600 to the offsetable member 400 will be requiredalong with an appropriate mold-handling device 700. Other components ofthe apparatus 10 will also need to be appropriately configured.Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to belimited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications andother embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of theappended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they areused in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation.

1. A device adapted to interact with a generally cylindrical mold for agyratory compactor apparatus defining an axis, the mold having an outerdiameter and defining an axis, the mold also having opposed first andsecond ends and a radially extending flange having an outer diameter,and the mold being adapted to have a sample disposed therein, saiddevice comprising: a movable mounting plate configured to be movablebetween a first position and a second position along the apparatus axis;a pair of pivoting members pivotably mounted to the movable mountingplate along parallel pivot axes; and a support rail mounted to eachpivoting member, the support rails being laterally separated by lessthan the outer diameter of the flange with the movable mounting plate inthe first position such that the support rails are capable of supportingthe mold by the flange, the pivoting members pivoting between the firstand second positions such that, with the movable mounting plate in thesecond position, the support rails are separated by more than the outerdiameter of the flange and are thereby incapable of supporting the moldby the flange.
 2. A device according to claim 1 further comprising: afixed mounting plate; and at least one biasing device operably engagedbetween the fixed mounting plate and the movable mounting plate, the atleast one biasing device being configured to bias the movable mountingplate away from the fixed mounting plate.
 3. A device according to claim2 further comprising a pivot element operably engaged between the fixedmounting plate and each of the pivoting members, the fixed mountingplate and the pivoting members being disposed on opposite sides of themovable mounting plate.
 4. A device according to claim 3 wherein thepivot elements are configured such that, when the at least one biasingdevice biases the movable mounting plate away from the fixed mountingplate, the pivot elements restrain the pivoting members with respect tothe fixed mounting plate so as to cause the pivoting members to pivotabout the respective pivot axes so as to separate the support rails.